Bright and Early – Louder Than Words

New Jersey.  Revival.  Pop Punk.  Three words I’ve been writing a lot lately.  As far as volume is concerned, you’d think we were living ten years ago.  And in many ways it comes as a personal relief – after all, things were beginning to get pretty dire towards the end of the decade with the seeming power pop epidemic of bad hair and oversimplified riffs (which is still going on mind you).  Everything being released against the grain isn’t perfect, but at this stage it all feels very genuine.

That being said, my latest encounter, Louder Than Words by Bright And Early, might just be my favourite to date.  Unlike many of their contemporaries who still feel a little rough around the edges and might be struggling with content (ie. I Call Fives), Bright And Early play with a quick wit and natural chemistry rare for a group so young.  In fact, they’re so well musically grounded (think Fall Out Boy before they became a corporate cog in the machine, or present-day Bayside with a little more flare) that they’ve already become refreshingly self-aware, making for some really relatable lyrics and themes.

Throughout the album Bright And Early connects with topics of living through disappointment, regress, and above all taking pride in one’s decisions and life choices.  Album opener “The Good Things End” introduces listeners to a band that sincerely believes that “living well is the best revenge.”  They might not be able to afford a dentist, pay their cell phone bills, or find lodging beyond the walls of their van, but they’re damn well keep doing what they’re doing – even if they know that talentless hacks will always garner more recognition.  Much of their passion feels fueled by contempt, but they never give in to it, always managing to turn that energy into something positive.

Take “Something Personal” for example – a track listing everything responsible for inspiring this pop punk revival.  Vocalist John Browne opens by playfully stating that he’s “never looked good in v-necks or tight clothes, never looked good in high tops or camo, never had a fake fur hooked coat,” and “won’t strike a pose like All Time Low.”  Verse after verse he drops names like Cobra Starship andAttack Attack, all summed up in a chorus that simply questions “how we let it get this far,” and that quite truthfully “it’s time for a change of scenery.”  As Browne mentions, he doesn’t want to be part of a world where he is ashamed to say that “he’s stopped liking Green Day.”  Throw in a sudden burst of metal during the accompanying bridge, and you just know that these guys get it.

Bright And Early have written their mantra into their musical script, transparently divulging their own opinions, hopes, and career aspirations.  Louder Than Words is an energetic, feel good album that inspires hope in every circumstance.  The real test will come with their inevitable full-length, and whether they can keep up their momentum without treading on the tired ground they so adamantly despise.  But I have no reason to be pessimistic.  After losing myself in Louder Than Words, I’m rooting for these underdogs, and can’t wait to see what’s in store next for Bright And Early.